Pertamina is poised to commence significant oil and natural gas drilling operations across 13 strategic locations within the Samboja District of Kutai Kartanegara Regency, East Kalimantan. Djoko Siswanto, Head of the Special Task Force for Upstream Oil and Gas Business Activities (SKK Migas), revealed that these wells are projected to hold substantial reserves, estimated at 1 million barrels of oil and an impressive 11.64 billion cubic feet of natural gas.
During a press conference at the Ministry of Transmigration in Jakarta on Monday, May 4, 2026, Djoko Siswanto further elaborated on the initiative. He noted, “We are still identifying if there are also old wells for the community, which are currently under further field research.” Crucially, all identified oil well locations are situated within existing transmigration areas. The drilling itself will be executed by PT Pertamina Hulu Sanga Sanga, a key subsidiary of PT Pertamina Hulu Indonesia, specifically targeting disused land.
Djoko underscored the project’s commitment to local development, emphasizing that the newly established access roads leading to the well sites would also serve the daily needs of the community, facilitating the transport of vital agricultural and plantation products. Moreover, he assured that the processed oil and gas output would primarily be dedicated to fulfilling community needs. With operations set to commence imminently, Djoko confirmed, “We are scheduled to begin drilling next month.”
The comprehensive exploration and drilling plan has been meticulously reviewed and discussed with the Ministry of Transmigration. Djoko affirmed that operations would adhere to a strict “win-win solution” principle, ensuring fair compensation for communities whose land might be impacted. Providing further financial context, Sunaryanto, President Director of PT Pertamina Hulu Indonesia Regional Kalimantan, disclosed that the total investment for this ambitious project stands at Rp 1.1 trillion. He projected a substantial return, stating, “In total, this venture is expected to generate approximately Rp 2.5 trillion in revenue.”
Reinforcing the project’s strategic importance, Minister of Transmigration Muhammad Iftitah Sulaiman Suryanagara declared that this initiative is set to become a pivotal new economic growth center within the oil and natural gas sector. He highlighted that Pertamina, as the sole investor, is poised to create a significant multiplier effect, benefiting the surrounding communities through job creation and broader economic activity.
Iftitah further detailed the critical discussions held with SKK Migas and Pertamina concerning the utilization of Land Management Rights (HPL) within the transmigration areas of Samboja. Two primary options were on the table: firstly, the utilization of HPL with distinct usage rights; and secondly, the complete release of the transmigration HPL.
Ultimately, consensus was reached on the preferred approach. “We agreed earlier that the chosen option is the utilization of transmigration HPL,” Iftitah confirmed. This crucial agreement was promptly formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Transmigration and SKK Migas. The overarching aspiration for this comprehensive project is a tangible improvement in community welfare.
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Summary
Pertamina is set to commence oil and natural gas drilling operations at 13 new wells in the Samboja District of Kutai Kartanegara, East Kalimantan. These wells are projected to hold substantial reserves, estimated at 1 million barrels of oil and 11.64 billion cubic feet of natural gas. The operations, executed by PT Pertamina Hulu Sanga Sanga, will target disused land within existing transmigration areas.
This ambitious project involves an investment of Rp 1.1 trillion, with an expected revenue of Rp 2.5 trillion. SKK Migas and the Ministry of Transmigration have ensured a “win-win solution” for affected communities, agreeing on the utilization of transmigration Land Management Rights (HPL) and signing an MoU. The initiative aims to serve local needs, create a new economic growth center, and ultimately improve community welfare.